Search Results (1,066)

Background/Objectives: Nutrient profiling models are widely used to support healthier food choices, but their applicability may be limited in dietary cultures with multi-dish meals and high consumption of minimally processed foods. This study extended the Ajinomoto Group Nutrient Profiling System (ANPS), originally developed for dish- and meal-level assessment, to evaluate overall quality of daily intake (ANPS-Day) based on four components (protein, vegetables, saturated fatty acids [SFAs], and sodium), and examined its criterion-related validity using 24 h urinary biomarkers. Methods: A total of 324 healthy Japanese adults aged 20–69 years completed four-day semi-weighed dietary records and two non-consecutive 24 h urine collections. Urinary sodium, potassium and urea nitrogen were measured. Associations were examined using age- and sex-adjusted Spearman correlation coefficients and trend analyses. Results: The crude ANPS-Day score showed weak and inconsistent correlations with urinary biomarkers. In contrast, the energy-adjusted ANPS-Day score was positively correlated with estimated potassium intake (r = 0.25) and inversely correlated with the urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio (r = −0.24). In quartile analyses, higher energy-adjusted ANPS-Day scores were associated with higher protein and potassium intakes and with a lower Na/K ratio (all p for trend ≤ 0.001). In component analysis, vegetable points were positively associated with potassium intake, whereas sodium points were inversely associated with estimated sodium intake and the Na/K ratio. SFA points were not associated with urinary biomarkers. Conclusions: The energy-adjusted ANPS-Day score showed modest but biologically plausible associations with urinary biomarkers, providing partial evidence of criterion-related validity in assessing diet quality in multi-dish dietary settings. Full article

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Growing evidence indicates that metabolic syndrome components, including obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia, contribute to PCa development, and progression to more aggressive form. At the same time, standard treatments such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) significantly improve oncologic outcomes but are associated with adverse metabolic effects, including increased fat mass, insulin resistance, and sarcopenia, potentially worsening patients’ overall metabolic profile and quality of life. Tumor progression in PCa is strongly driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which is closely linked to cellular metabolic reprogramming, highlighting metabolism as a potential therapeutic target. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and synthesize current evidence on the role of the ketogenic diet (KD) in PCa, with particular emphasis on its interaction with hormonal therapies, underlying metabolic and endocrine mechanisms, and its potential application as an adjunctive strategy in integrated oncologic care. Results: The KD, characterized by high fat and very low carbohydrate intake, induces a metabolic state of ketosis that reduces circulating glucose, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), potentially counteracting metabolic alterations associated with PCa and its treatments. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate that carbohydrate restriction and KD can slow tumor growth, modulate key oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, reduce systemic insulin signaling, and enhance survival in prostate cancer models. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests possible synergistic effects when KD is combined with standard therapies, including ADT and immunotherapy. Clinical data, although limited, indicate that low-carbohydrate dietary interventions may improve metabolic parameters and could delay biochemical progression, as suggested by increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time. However, results across studies remain heterogeneous, and robust evidence on long-term oncologic outcomes is lacking. Conclusions: Overall, the KD represents a promising but still experimental strategy in PCa management, requiring careful nutritional supervision to avoid adverse effects such as unintended weight loss or sarcopenia. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify its safety, efficacy, and role in routine clinical practice. Full article

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) progresses through three stages: iron deficiency stores (IDS), iron deficiency erythropoiesis (IDE), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Neglecting subclinical ID may be harmful to school-aged children and increase the public health burden. Although diet is a key modifiable factor, most studies only focus on overall ID or merely the clinical IDA stage. This study combines a dietary index with pattern analysis to take advantage of their complementary strengths and explore their associations with ID progression. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2493 participants from rural Guangzhou between June 2022 and May 2023. Demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected via structured questionnaires. Blood samples were analyzed for iron status. Factor analysis identified dietary patterns, and the Chinese Dietary Guidelines Index for Children and Adolescents [CDGI(2021)-C] assessed dietary quality. We used ordinal logistic regression, multivariable logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models to examine dietary associations with ID stages. Results: IDS, IDE, and IDA proportions were 68.22%, 17.45%, and 14.33%, respectively. All four dietary patterns correlated positively with CDGI(2021)-C, most strongly for the fruit–vegetable (r_s = 0.552) and cereal–tuber–legume patterns (r_s = 0.386). Higher CDGI(2021)-C (OR = 0.852, 95% CI: 0.751–0.966, p-trend = 0.012), fruit–vegetable (OR = 0.866, 95%CI: 0.748–0.993, p-trend = 0.047), and meat–offal patterns (OR = 0.733, 95%CI: 0.611–0.868, p-trend < 0.001) were inversely associated with advancing ID stages, while the snack–fast food pattern was positively associated (OR = 1.233, 95% CI: 1.094–1.381, p-trend < 0.001). In IDS, higher adherence to CDGI(2021)-C, fruit–vegetable, and meat–offal patterns was associated with lower odds (all p-trend < 0.05). RCS showed nonlinear associations for the snack–fast food and cereal–tuber–legume patterns, with risk peaking at moderate-to-high adherence to these patterns (both p-nonlinear < 0.05). In IDE and IDA, the snack–fast food pattern risk rose steeply at moderate-to-high adherence (p-nonlinear = 0.036), whereas the cereal–tuber–legume pattern’s ORs fluctuated near 1 (p-nonlinear = 0.020). Conclusions: Dietary pattern and index analyses showed consistent associations across ID stages. Adherence to dietary guidelines slows ID progression, especially in early subclinical stages. More fruits, vegetables, and heme-iron-rich foods, alongside less fast food and snacks, slow ID progression. Though dietary intervention effects weaken in later stages, reducing fast food and snacks confers long-term benefits. These findings inform targeted nutrition policies to prevent ID progression in children. Full article

Food insecurity has been associated with poorer diet quality; however, limited evidence exists on the association between food insecurity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study, conducted among 577 Saudi adults between February and June 2025, examined the association between food security status and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in this region. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and the Mediterranean diet adherence score. Most participants were food secure (73.0%), and only 12.7% demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The food insecurity score was inversely related to Mediterranean diet adherence (B = −0.107, 95% CI −0.191 to −0.024; p = 0.012); however, the magnitude of the association was small. Age, marital status, and monthly income were also significantly associated with food security status (p < 0.005). Although most of the participants were food secure, overall adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low, with only a small proportion demonstrating high adherence. These findings suggest that socioeconomic factors, particularly income, may be associated with both food access and diet quality. Further research is needed to inform strategies aimed at improving access to affordable healthy foods and promoting healthier dietary patterns, especially among young adults and low-income individuals. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a relevant cardio–renal–metabolic disorder in which chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress have a crucial function in linking insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, β-cell impairment, and progressive organ injury. In this context, nutrition has emerged as a key modifiable determinant of metabolic homeostasis, capable of influencing inflammatory signalling, redox balance, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota–host interactions. The objective of this review is to critically summarise the mechanistic connections among inflammation, oxidative stress, and diabetes progression, and to investigate how dietary factors and patterns, as well as nutrition-responsive biomarkers, influence these pathways and their cardiorenal consequences. We discuss the effects of macronutrient quality, dietary fibre, fatty acids, polyphenols, and specific micronutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, as well as the role of Mediterranean, DASH, and plant-based diets in improving glycaemic control, endothelial function, and cardio-renal risk profiles. We also summarise established and emerging biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress that may improve risk stratification and the evaluation of nutrition-based interventions. Overall, current evidence supports a shift from a purely glucose-centred approach toward an integrated model in which dietary modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways helps reduce cardiovascular and renal risk. However, heterogeneity of interventions, variability in biomarker assessment, and interindividual differences in dietary response represent major limitations. Future research should focus on biomarker-informed, precision-oriented nutritional approaches integrated within contemporary cardio–renal–metabolic care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low-carbohydrate (LCD) and ketogenic diets (KD) are increasingly adopted by athletes due to their ability to enhance fat oxidation and induce metabolic adaptations. While their effects on aerobic power and capacity have been widely investigated, their influence on anaerobic performance remains unclear. Given the strong dependence of high-intensity exercise on glycolytic metabolism and muscle glycogen availability, carbohydrate restriction may have significant implications for short-duration maximal efforts and repeated high-intensity exercise. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of LCD and KD on anaerobic performance outcomes in trained athletes. Methods: A comprehensive search of five electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) identified 13 unique studies (yielding 15 study-level entries across three anaerobic performance domains) meeting comprehensive inclusion criteria. Individual study sample sizes ranged from n = 5 to n = 65 participants, reflecting substantial inter-study variability that should be considered when interpreting pooled estimates. Outcomes included peak and mean power output, repeated sprint performance, blood lactate responses, and markers of substrate utilization. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models where appropriate. Results: Overall, the effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on anaerobic performance were domain-specific. Some studies reported maintained or slightly improved peak power during single maximal efforts, while others showed no effect. Impairments were more consistently observed in repeated high-intensity exercise. Repeated sprint performance was impaired in several studies, likely reflecting reduced muscle glycogen availability and limited glycolytic ATP production. Carbohydrate restriction consistently increased fat oxidation and was associated with lower blood lactate concentrations during high-intensity exercise. Random-effects meta-analyses yielded domain-specific pooled effect sizes: maintained-to-slightly-improved anaerobic power output (Cohen’s d = +0.29; 95% CI: −0.08 to +0.66), modestly impaired repeated sprint ability (d = −0.33; 95% CI: −0.80 to +0.14), and a large, consistent reduction in blood lactate concentration (d = −0.89; 95% CI: −1.20 to −0.58). Given substantial between-study heterogeneity in intervention durations (2 days to 12 weeks), dietary composition, athlete populations, and outcome measures (1RM, Wingate, CMJ within the power domain; varied protocols within the RSA and lactate domains), these pooled estimates should be interpreted as exploratory rather than confirmatory. Conclusions: LCD and KD appear to have domain-specific effects on anaerobic performance in trained athletes. Although single, short-duration efforts may be preserved in some contexts, repeated, high-intensity performance appears to be more susceptible to impairment. These findings highlight the importance of aligning dietary strategies with the metabolic demands of training and competition. Full article

Enhancing egg production in geese without antibiotics remains a challenge in poultry science. This study compared the effects of Lactobacillus (LAB) and Bacillus (BAC) probiotics on laying performance, gut microbiota, and serum metabolism in Zhedong White geese. Birds were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with LAB or BAC. Egg production and quality were monitored throughout the trial. Serum metabolomics and fecal 16S rRNA sequencing were integrated with KEGG enrichment and correlation analyses to uncover functional mechanisms. Both probiotics improved laying performance and egg quality. Total egg production of the LAB group was 8.5% higher than that of the BAC group (p < 0.05). The LAB group’s advantage in egg production was consistent with its stronger activation of the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway (elevated serum corticosterone and tetrahydrocorticosterone indicated an overall enhancement of steroidogenic flux). Simultaneously, the LAB group exhibited a more efficient conversion of L-phenylalanine to catecholamine precursors, which drove activation of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. The BAC group showed more significant changes in nitrogen and energy metabolism pathways and a more pronounced expansion of energy-harvesting Firmicutes. These findings reveal two strain-specific regulatory pathways: LAB functions through the “aromatic amino acid–neuroendocrine–steroid hormone axis,” while BAC relies on the “gut microbiota–energy metabolism” pathway, with direct implications for the precise application of probiotics under antibiotic-free farming conditions. Full article

This study investigated the effects of fermented Chinese chive (FCC) juice supplementation on growth performance, blood parameters, meat quality, and fresh meat volatile compounds in Small-Tailed Han sheep. Sixty sheep were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; basal diet) or an FCC juice treatment group (TG; basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mL/kg feed offered on an as-fed basis), with three pens per treatment and 10 sheep per pen. FCC juice significantly increased average weight gain (AWG) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05), whereas carcass traits were not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Most meat quality traits, antioxidant indices, and serum biochemical parameters were unchanged, although serum glucose (GLU) and cholesterol (CHO) decreased in the FCC juice treatment group (p < 0.05). GC × GC-TOF/MS analysis showed that FCC juice altered the volatile profile of fresh sheep meat. Compared with the control group, the FCC juice treatment group showed higher relative contents of aldehydes, ketones, and heterocyclic compounds, but lower contents of hydrocarbons and acids. Seventeen differential volatile compounds were identified using VIP > 1 and FDR-adjusted p < 0.05, with esters representing the major upregulated class. Based on the published odor descriptors of the identified volatile compounds, the FCC juice treatment group showed stronger green and apple-like aroma-associated characteristics. Overall, FCC juice showed a modest positive effect on growth performance and altered the volatile compound profile of fresh sheep meat; however, flavor-related findings should be regarded as preliminary because of the limited slaughter sample size and the absence of direct sensory validation. Full article

For optimal growth and development, black soldier fly larvae require a balanced diet. This study focused on how nutrients other than protein, specifically fat, starch, fibre, and ash, affect larval growth, body composition, and the quality of the leftover material called frass. To isolate the effects of these nutrients, five types of organic byproducts: fast food (FF) waste, solid pig manure (PS), mushroom stems (MS), slaughter waste (SW) and poultry meal (PM), were used to create six different diets, all with similar protein levels (about 22% DM). The results showed that diets rich in fat and starch, such as those based on FF waste, produced the heaviest larvae (155.9 mg), which also had high fat (30.31% DM) and protein contents (52.74% DM). In contrast, diets based on PM, which were low in fat and starch but high in fibre and ash, resulted in lower larval weight, which had lower fat content but variable protein content depending on other diet ingredients. Similar dietary protein levels yielded different larval protein contents, indicating that other nutrients may have influenced how protein was stored. However, other components of the diet, especially fat and ash, were consistently reflected in both the larvae and the frass. Overall, the study shows that nutrients other than protein play important roles in larval development and should be considered when designing black soldier fly diets. Full article

Objectives: This study’s main objective was to examine the association between dietary greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) and diet quality among U.S. primary and secondary schoolchildren. Our secondary objectives were to identify demographic characteristics associated with higher-GHGE diets and to assess the relationship between school meal consumption and dietary GHGE. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of dietary intake data from 2165 primary and secondary students participating in the nationally representative 2014–2015 US School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study (SNMCS). Dietary GHGEs (kg CO₂-equivalents per 1000 kcal) were estimated by linking reported foods to an environmental impact database. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI). Students were categorized into GHGE groups, and differences in total HEI and component scores were examined using appropriate statistical tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The average dietary GHGE of the sample was 3.64 kg CO₂-equivalent per person per day. Overall, HEI scores did not differ between the GHGE groups (p = 0.22). However, compared to the high-GHGE group, the low-GHGE group scored significantly higher on some HEI-2010 components, such as fatty acid ratios (p < 0.0001) and sodium (p < 0.0001), and significantly lower on others, such as dairy (p < 0.0001), total protein foods (p < 0.0001), and refined grains (p < 0.0001). Male students and students who ate school meals on the day of recall had higher odds of being in the high-GHGE group compared with their respective reference groups. Conclusions: Lower dietary carbon footprints are achievable without sacrificing overall diet quality, but tradeoffs in specific dietary components indicate the need for additional research and care in recommending diet changes or setting school policies. Full article

Insomnia is common among older adults and is associated with adverse health outcomes, yet evidence on its relationship with healthy lifestyle in Chinese older adults is limited. This study included 4929 participants from the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study (HMACS). A healthy lifestyle score (range 0–6) was constructed based on body weight, drinking alcohol, smoking, regular exercise, diet, and cognitive activity. Participants were categorized into unfavorable (0–2), average (3), and favorable (4–6) lifestyle groups. Insomnia was defined using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS ≥ 6), or the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI > 5). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations of overall and individual healthy behaviors with insomnia risk. Stratified analyses by smoking status and substitution analyses were conducted. Healthier lifestyle was associated with lower risk of insomnia. Compared with the unfavorable group, participants with favorable lifestyle had a 17.5% lower risk of insomnia. Among individual lifestyle behaviors, healthy diet and active cognitive activity were associated with reduced insomnia risk. Stratified analyses showed these associations were only evident among non-current smokers. Substitution analyses suggested that replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones was associated with a lower insomnia risk. Favorable lifestyle, particularly healthy diet and active cognitive activity, is associated with lower insomnia risk among older adults, with stronger associations observed among non-current smokers. Full article

Aquaponics is a resource-efficient agricultural system, yet its overall productivity is frequently constrained by micro- and macronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and potassium (K). Currently, the efficacy of combined dietary Fe and K supplementation in optimizing nutrient management in these systems remains unclear. Therefore, a 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of four dietary Fe and K levels—CK (basal diet without added Fe or K), T1 (Fe 0.1 g/kg + K 2.5 g/kg), T2 (Fe 0.2 g/kg + K 5.0 g/kg), and T3 (Fe 0.3 g/kg + K 7.5 g/kg)—on the growth and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and the physiological responses of crucian carp (Carassius auratus). The results demonstrated that the T2 treatment was suitable for enhancing system productivity. Compared with the CK group, the lettuce plant height, biomass, and net photosynthetic rate in the T2 group exhibited marked increases of 25.3%, 16.0%, and 26.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the vitamin C content increased by 52.2%, while the nitrate content notably declined by 32.2%. Plant nutrient analysis revealed that the combined Fe and K supplementation markedly promoted the foliar uptake of P, Mn, and Zn (peaking in the T2 group), whereas Cu and S contents increased linearly with the supplementation dose, reaching its maximum in the T3 group. Regarding fish health, the weight gain rate (WGR) of crucian carp in the T2 group peaked at 41.0%, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved to 1.76. Additionally, the dietary supplementation maintained the stability of water quality parameters of the recirculating system. These findings indicate that a combined dietary inclusion of 0.2 g/kg Fe and 5.0 g/kg K can simultaneously enhance the yield and quality of both plants and fish. This approach provides a novel optimization strategy for mitigating acute water quality shocks, while also highlighting the inherent boundaries of competitive ion antagonism in aquaponic nutrient management. Full article

This study developed a probiotic Eurotium cristatum-fermented Premna microphylla Turcz. (EFPT) and systematically evaluated its nutritional profile and antidiabetic effects in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (TIIDM) mouse model. After 8 days of fermentation, the contents of pectin (9.001% vs. 4.222%) and water-soluble polysaccharides (13.339% vs. 4.826%) increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the levels of polyphenols (12.12% vs. 15.917%) and soluble proteins (3.829% vs. 5.797%) decreased (p < 0.05). Notable alterations were also observed in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), monosaccharide composition, and amino acid profiles. Specifically, the levels of propionic acid, histidine, threonine, serine, glycine, lysine, glutamic acid, and methionine decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while those of butyric acid, valeric acid, galactose, valine, alanine, and proline increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, EFPT exhibited dose-dependent antidiabetic effects and showed greater efficacy than non-fermented Premna microphylla Turcz. powder in high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin-induced TIIDM mice (p < 0.05). These effects were primarily associated with enhanced SCFAs production and the amelioration of liver and kidney damage. Overall, these findings suggest that Eurotium cristatum fermentation enhances the bioactive properties of Premna microphylla Turcz., contributing to its improved nutritional quality and potent antidiabetic activity. Full article

The last native population of Barbary deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) lives across the northern border of Algeria and Tunisia; its small population size and global-change pressures limit conservation options, and basic habitat requirements, including diet, remain poorly known. In the Akfadou Forest enclosure (Algeria), where concerns have been raised about woodland condition and limited perennial seedling recruitment, we assessed dietary preferences using micro-histological analysis of faecal samples collected across four seasons. A wide variety of plants was ingested; grasses dominated overall, particularly Avena sterilis and Carex spp., while evergreen trees and woody shrubs also contributed substantially, including Cytisus triflorus, Hedera helix, and Cistus salvifolius. The balance between grazing and browsing indicates that the Barbary deer is an intermediate feeder. Diet composition varied seasonally, with more forbs in winter, more grasses in spring, and greater consumption of trees and shrubs in summer and autumn. These results provide baseline information to support enclosure management and to guide conservation actions for this threatened endemic subspecies, and they highlight the value of complementary analyses of food availability and nutritional quality. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to assess quality of life (QoL) and its determinants among Saudi adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 (45% male and 55% female) Saudi adults with T2DM aged 30–65 years. Data were collected using the Audit of Diabetes–Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL) and the Personal Diabetes Questionnaire (PDQ). Anthropometric and clinical measures included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: Most participants (73.5%) were ≤50 years of age, and the majority were obese (56.0%) or overweight (28.0%). Nearly half (54.5%) had HbA1c levels ≥ 8.0%, while (50.5%) were hypertensive. Overall, 96% of participants reported a poor to extremely poor QoL. Female sex (p = 0.003), higher BMI (p = 0.034), diet type (p = 0.039), and satisfaction with glucose control (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the QoL. Conclusions: T2DM substantially impairs the QoL of affected Saudi adults. Psychosocial and lifestyle-related factors, particularly obesity, gender, dietary practices, and perceived glucose control, are more influential than traditional clinical markers. Culturally tailored interventions targeting these determinants may improve patient outcomes. Full article